MAR 684 Special Topics in Geological Marine Science: Application of Instrumentation in Marine Science MAR 431 Basic Marine Instrumentation

Instructors Dr. Vernon Asper Phone: Office hours: variable, by appointment Mr. Kevin Martin, M.S. Phone: (228) Office hours: variable, by appointment Address: 1020 Balch Blvd., Stennis Space Center, MS Fax Number: (228)

What is Marine Instrumentation? Any piece of electronics used to obtain marine data in the field.* Any piece of electronics used to obtain marine data in the field.* –Remote sensing –In situ * Kevin’s definition of Marine Instrumentation

Why do you need to know instrumentation? Sooner or later, you will be responsible for it. Sooner or later, you will be responsible for it. Pros Pros –“Easier” then lab techniques –“Real” data (in situ) –Higher resolution data Spatial Spatial Temporal Temporal –Instant data results (some sensors) –Large amounts of data “quickly” Cons (a partial list) Cons (a partial list) –Not all parameters have sensors yet –Still need to be calibrated using lab techniques –Power requirements –Sensor fails your cruise fails

Things to remember throughout course (aka Rules to live by as Technician) Safety first! Safety first! If you are not willing to lose the sensor do not put it over the side!! If you are not willing to lose the sensor do not put it over the side!! Sensors do not always work Sensors do not always work –Electronics have a mind of their own –You will go on a cruise and come back with NO DATA! Manuals are your friend Manuals are your friend –Manuals may not outline the easiest way to operate sensor

What do we hope this course will demonstrate? Instrumentation is not scary* Instrumentation is not scary* –A degree in rocket science is not need to operate instrumentation General overview of sensors on the market General overview of sensors on the market Sensor lingo Sensor lingo General knowledge of sensor operation General knowledge of sensor operation –Parameters –Limitations –Do & Don’ts Simple Electronics Simple Electronics Building dataloggers (the Arduino!) Building dataloggers (the Arduino!) General knowledge of data processing General knowledge of data processing Basic Troubleshooting skills Basic Troubleshooting skills *Frustrating, aggravating, nerve wracking YES, but not scary!

Syllabus Grading Grading – Midterm Exam: 30% – Final Exam: 30% – Homework: 20% – Project: 20% (Graduate only) No required texts No required texts –Course material will be provided as handouts Found on Internet Found on Internet Each class will have lecture and “lab” Each class will have lecture and “lab”

Class Project For graduate students For graduate students – Extra credit for undergrads Develop an instrument (using and Arduino or other data logger) to measure a one or more parameters, design the data logger, calculate the energy required and the volume of batteries needed, and then design a pressure housing for the instrument including selection of the material to be used, it’s wall thickness and the electrical penetrators. Finally, build and demonstrate the electronic part of the instrument including the program that will run it.Develop an instrument (using and Arduino or other data logger) to measure a one or more parameters, design the data logger, calculate the energy required and the volume of batteries needed, and then design a pressure housing for the instrument including selection of the material to be used, it’s wall thickness and the electrical penetrators. Finally, build and demonstrate the electronic part of the instrument including the program that will run it.